Police, community and calendar briefs for July 17, 2013

A woman stopped for a minor traffic infraction Monday was arrested on burglary and grand theft charges, and for reportedly not having a valid driver’s license.

An Ocala Police Department officer saw a silver four-door Mercedes run a stop sign at Southeast Watula Avenue and Southeast Fort King Street and stopped the car. The driver, Sabrina Fesel, 32, told the officer she did not have a driver’s license. A check revealed her license has been suspended four times since 2003.

OPD property crimes detectives were on the lookout for the Mercedes, which had been seen leaving the scene of a burglary last month. They searched the vehicle and found some of the items that had been reported stolen, according to reports.

Fesel told the detectives she could give them more stolen items, the report added.

Officials said they believe Fesel participated in burglaries in June in the 1000 block of Southeast Fort King Street and the 1700 block of Northeast 42nd Avenue, where more than $30,000 worth of goods — such as laptops, hair products, chairs, tables and other accessories — were reported stolen.

The investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Fesel remained at the Marion County Jail late Tuesday on bonds totaling $23,000.

Teens caught breaking into home, officials say

Five teenagers who officials said were attempting to burglarize a home were caught Monday by sheriff’s deputies.

The homeowner told deputies he drove up to his residence in the 14500 block of Southwest 38th Terrace and saw someone trying to enter through the front door and several other people hiding beside the home. He said he yelled out and they ran and got into a silver car. The man followed them in his vehicle and called 911.

The silver car was stopped by Sheriff’s Deputy Calvin Batts near Southwest College Road and Southwest 66th Street. Detective Bobby Levay searched the car and found three BB guns.

The occupants — two 17-year-olds, a 16-year-old and two 15-year-olds — were taken to a district office for questioning. They told Detective Rick Palmateer the plan was to knock on the door and if someone opened it, they would barge in and take cash from the residents, according to reports.

The teens each face charges of attempted armed burglary and conspiracy to commit armed burglary.

Sheriff’s Office warns of airline tickets scam

Sheriff’s deputies are alerting the public to a scam involving airline tickets.

Authorities said people might receive a letter purportedly from US Airlines stating they qualify for an award of two round-trip airline tickets valued at $1,198. The letter states that prior attempts to make contact have been unsuccessful, so this will be the last effort to redeem the tickets before they go to someone else. The letter ends with a contact number of 1-866-817-0311 and a signature for Juli West, vice president.

Judge Cochran, the public information office for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, said the letters are fake.

Foundation giving free business suits to vets

The Gary Sinise Foundation and Jos. A. Bank will provide a free suit to qualifying veterans and service members through a national promotion.

To be considered, send a DD214 form, a statement of service if still active duty, or a copy of the front and back of military ID by email to contact@garysinisefoundation.org or by fax to 818-432-8999.

VA grants working to help end homelessness

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki recently announced approximately $5.5 million in homeless prevention grants to the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System in 22 counties, including Marion.